UNI Global Union has criticised the failure of the IAAF to respect the internationally recognised human rights of the South African athlete, Caster Semenya. The IAAF argues that Caster Semenya’s natural testosterone levels give her an unfair advantage over other female athletes in running events between 400 metres and one mile, and that if she is to compete fairly, she must take medication to reduce those levels, or be excluded from the female category in international competition.

The UNI Management Committee last week acknowledged the seriousness of the issues raised in her case. UNI’s World Players Association also underlined the important implications of the case for human rights noting that the IAAF, as a multi-national corporation, has a duty to respect the internationally recognised human rights of everyone affected by its activities in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles. The IAAF has publicly stated that it is under no such duty.

UNI condemned the IAAF decision which it described as ‘dehumanizing’ Caster Semenya and called on all unions affiliates, all gender structures, and human rights activists and the entire region to stand up in support of Caster Semenya.